Political developments: MQM, PPP put off coalition govt

Sources say decision has been postponed for the time being

KARACHI: Following political developments after the ‘confessional’ tape of convicted target killer Saulat Mirza was released, the MQM has deferred its decision of joining the PPP-led Sindh government.

Party sources said that the decision has been postponed for the time being. “We have taken this decision in the wake of the current situation,” said a party official. “We are monitoring everything and will decide accordingly.”

Meanwhile, the party’s Rabita Committee in a press statement said that it rejects the allegations made by Mirza and termed it an ongoing media trial against the party. “This video clearly shows that this was done to postpone his execution. He was forced to give statements against the MQM so that the party could be maligned,” read the statement.

The party said that the video released is first of its kind where a prisoner in a death cell is allowed to record his statements and never before has a video of a prisoner on a death row been played on television channels.

MQM argued that if this move was according to the law, then why weren’t videos of Dr Usman, who was involved in attacks on General Musharaf and GHQ released?

PPP waits

Sources claim that while presiding over a meeting at Bilawal House, the Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairperson, Asif Ali Zardari said that they will wait and watch before forming an alliance with the MQM. Other leaders who attended the meeting were Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Sherry Rehman, finance minister Murad Ali Shah and information minister Sharjeel Memon.

“We believe in the reconciliation policy but should not make a decision in haste,” said Zardari.  Earlier, PPP co-chairperson had announced to make an alliance with the MQM and said his party will not leave the MQM alone in times of trouble.

After the meeting, Zardari also called Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan and assured him of PPP’s support.  “We are in your favour,” he said. “You should continue to be the governor and I will talk to the prime minister on this issue,” he said, referring to reports that the federal government has asked Khan to step down.